Durack Looking To Bounce Back Against 'Physical' Birmingham

Goalkeeper Lizzie Durack says Everton Ladies are itching to bounce back when they take on Birmingham City on Sunday – but knows they will face a side with similar intentions.

After the Blue Girls lost to Liverpool last Friday night, City were in action against Arsenal two days later, and saw a two-goal lead overturned by the Gunners in a 3-2 defeat.

It means both sides will be looking to get their seasons up and running when they meet at the Autotech Stadium on Sunday. But Durack says the Toffees have taken plenty from the Liverpool game and are intent on bouncing back against Birmingham.

“We have addressed some issues from the Liverpool game and we have come out of analysing that game feeling positive,” she said. “We know it will be a tough game, especially with it being away.

“I remember playing Birmingham when I was here five years ago and they were a physical team, and I don’t think they have stopped that.

“They have had a disappointing result against Arsenal at the weekend but the fact that they were in the game so much shows their quality. The first 24 hours after a game like that, you’re always going to be disappointed. But I know a few of the girls at Birmingham and they are all very professional and they will be up for the game and maybe a little more fired up for it than they would have been.

“It will be a hard one but we want to get our season up and running and get some points on the board. I’d take a clean sheet as well! We are a young team, but the way we approach this league is with the belief that we can win each game we play.”

Durack, who re-joined Everton over the summer after studying at Harvard University, was given the nod over fellow keeper Kirstie Levell against Liverpool.

And while she was pleased to catch the eye with a number of saves in that game, the shot-stopper knows she must stay on her toes if she is to keep the number-one jersey.

“It is always good to start the season off with a good performance personally but obviously from a team perspective, it wasn’t the way we were hoping to start,” she added. “Goalkeepers say it’s a good game when you are not busy so while it was nice to make a few saves, there are still areas we need to address as a team and improve on.

“Kirstie has been awesome in training. We get on really well and push each other, which is really nice. I don’t think it was an obvious choice by any means for me to start. It is great to have that competition to keep us both sharp. And from a team perspective, should anything happen to either one of us the other is ready to step up.

“I know I have to stay on my toes because Kirstie will take that spot!”